"Certainly," she replied, "if it suits you." "Then, that's settled," he decided. "There's a new steamer, called the _Bembridge Belle_, I've seen advertised to run on an excursion to Seaview pier; and I think she will do very well for us; especially as she will go partly round the Island afterwards." "I can't say I like excursion steamers," observed Mrs Gilmour hesitatingly; "but if you think, as an experienced sailor, that she will be safe, of course I can have no objection. You know--I'm speaking more for the children's sake than my own, being responsible to their parents for them." "Safe, ma'am, eh? Safe as houses!" replied the Captain, with much energy, stamping his foot on the floor as he spoke to give point to his assertion, his malacca cane not being within reach at the moment. "Otherwise, ma'am, I wouldn't let you or the chickabiddies go in her for worlds!" "You're quite sure, Captain?" "Faith, I'll take my `davy,' ma'am, she's as staunch and sound as the old _Bucephalus_." "Say no more, Captain," said Mrs Gilmour. "If she's as safe as my poor Ted's ship, she must be safe indeed, I know." "She is that, I believe, ma'am, on my honour." "All right then, Captain," replied Mrs Gilmour to this. "We'll consider the trip arranged, then, for to-morrow, eh?" "Very good, ma'am, there's my hand on it," cried the Captain, rising to take his leave. "I must say `good-night' now; for, it's getting late, and I ought to turn in early if you expect me to turn out to-morrow. Good-night, Miss Nell; good-night, Bob; come along, Dick!" With which parting words, away he sailed homeward, not thinking that he had forgotten his game of cribbage with his fair hostess. Strange to say, the old sailor never once recollected his customary diversion throughout the evening! CHAPTER NINE. A RIVAL COLLECTOR. Nothing could have been better than the appearances of wind and weather next morning--that long-wished-for "to-morrow," which had at last come, in spite of the Captain's perpetual procrastination. The bright sun was glowing in a clear blue sky overhead, that was unflecked by a single cloud, while a fresh breeze blowing from the westwards to prevent the air from becoming stagnant; and the barometer, at "set Fair," made all prophets of evil, if such there were about, keep their lips tightly closed and say nothing to damp the spirits of the expectant voyagers. "Hullo, Nell!" shouted Bob, drumming on the balustrade of the staircase outside his bedroom to attract her attention and rouse her up. "Are you awake yet?" Nellie's answer to this question was a "staggerer" to Master Bob, as he termed it in his choice phraseology. She appeared in the passage that passed her door fully dressed.